Method and apparatus for forming swimming pool gutters

ABSTRACT

A method for constructing the side wall and gutter section of an in-the-ground, pressure-sprayed concrete, swimming pool and for forming a cantilever deck overlying the pool side wall. The method is performed utilizing apparatus which includes a reusable flat panel that is horizontally positionable over the perimeter of the excavation for the pool and a gutter form removably attachable to the underside of the panel so that upon spraying of concrete the side wall and gutter section can be simultaneously and accurately formed. After completion of the gutter and removal of the gutter forming apparatus, an independent reusable deck form is positionable in the gutter to facilitate laying of the cantilever deck.

United States Patent [1 1 [1 1 3,929,944 Oliver Dec. 30, 1975 [54]METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING 3,793,428 2/1974 Gordon 264/D1G. 72

SWIMMING POOL GUTTERS [76] Inventor: Steve Oliver, 657 Chestnut, Z :g w:Z

Deerfield 60015 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Wolfe, Hubbard, Leydig, [22]Filed: Jan. 28, 1974 Voit & Osann, Ltd.

21 A 1. No.: 437 066 1 pp 57 ABSTRACT A method for constructing the sidewall and gutter [52] g section of an in-the-ground, pressure-sprayedcon- Int 503C E03C 1 24 crete, swimming pool and for forming acantilever deck overlying the pool side wall. The method is per- [58]Field of Search 264/31, 34, 35, 256, 309, formed rams hich includes areusable 264/D1G. 72- 249/177 DIG. 3- 425/59 D1G 18 2] flat panel thatis horizontally positionable over the perimeter of the excavation forthe pool and a gutter form removably attachable to the underside of the[56] References Cited panel so that upon spraying of concrete the sidewall UNITED STATES PATENTS and gutter section can be simultaneously andaccu- 2,140,978 12/1938 Beeby 4/172 rately formed. After completion ofthe gutter and re- 2,729,093 1/1956 y---- 6 moval of the gutter formingapparatus, an independent I s reusable deck form is positionable in thegutter t0 faenson 3,526,070 9 1970 Denson 4 172 x laymg of thecantilever deck 3,610,564 10/1971 9 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures Mottingly4 172 x US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 1 of3 3,929,944

US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 2 0f 3 US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet3of3 3,929,944

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING SWIMMING POOL GUTTERS DESCRIPTION OFTHE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to swimming pools,and more particularly, to an improved method and apparatus for formingthe gutter section and cantilever deck of swimming pools.

By reason of state and local laws, swimming pools, whether public orprivate, commonly are required to have a gutter section about its upperperimeter. First, such gutters provide a ledge which a swimmer mayreadily grasp and hold when in the pool. In addition, such gutters havefacilitated the recirculation of pool water when selected areas of thegutter ledge are relieved to permit the continuous flow of water intothe gutter, which water then drains to a central pumping area forrecirculation through a filtering system and back into the pool.

While the gutter has been a relatively important feature of swimmingpools, it heretofore has been a time consuming and relatively expensiveportion of the pool to contruct, particularly in pools that are formedfrom a pressure-sprayed concrete and sand mixture, commonly calledgunite. In such gunite pools, it generally has been necessary toindependently construct the gutter after the pool side walls have beenformed. In one prior gutter construction method, for example, when theside walls of the pool have been completed, a bond beam is separatelyformed on top of the side walls to define an outer wall of the gutter.The inner wall or ledge of the gutter is then manually constructed outof several slabs of tile. These several steps of forming the side wall,bond beam, and tile ledge generally each must be carried out onsuccessive days.

In another method of constructing the gutter of such gunite pools,following formation of the basic side walls of the pool, a metal frameis constructed on top of the side walls, onto which a stainless steelpreformed gutter is secured. After the steel gutter is in place, gunitein then shot to fill in the areas below and to the side of the gutter tocomplete the pool side wall and to permanently embed the steel guttertherein. Such a multi-step process again usually requires severalworking days to complete. In addition, since the steel gutter formremains in the side wall, it substantially increases the cost of thepool.

When a cantilever deck is to be constructed outwardly from the top ofthe pool side walls, certain of these prior gutter constructions havepresented still further problems. In many gunite formed swimming pools,the upper surface of the pool side wall, or the bond beam, is leftrelatively rough and uneven, and must be manually leveled and smoothedbefore the cantilever deck maybe laid. Such procedure further increasesthe construction time of the pool, and thus, the cost.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method andapparatus for more efficiently and economically forming the gutter of agunite constructed swimming pool.

Another object is to provide a method of forming a substantiallymonolithic gutter section in a gunite swimming pool. A related object isto provide such a method which permits simultaneous formation of thegutter and side wall and enables their completion in a single workingday.

A further object is to provide a method and apparatus as characterizedabove which is adapted to form the gutter with a smooth, finishedappearance.

Yet another object is to provide a method and apparatus of the abovekind which facilitates the accurate and efficient laying of a concretecantilever deck upon the pool side wall.

Still another object is to provide an apparatus of the above kind thatis reusable and substantially maintenance free.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section showing an excavation with gutter formingapparatus embodying the present invention in assembled relation thereto;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken inthe plane of line 22;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section comparable to FIG. 1, but showing theexcavation after gunite has been shot to form the bottom and side wallsof the pool;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical section of the upper side wall of thepool with a portion of the gutter forming apparatus removed andadditional gunite applied to complete the side wall and gutter;

FIG. 5 is a vertical section, comparable to FIG. 4, but showing thefinal gutter construction with the gutter forming apparatus completelyremoved;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view of the gutter forming apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 6a shows a second form of means for securing the leveling arm tothe shooting panel of the illustrated apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a plane view of the gutter forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6taken in the plane of line 77;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of one of the gutter forms used with theapparatus of the present invention for further forming a drain sectionof the gutter;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of the gutter form shown in FIG. 6 with a weirform supported adjacent thereto;

FIG. 10 is a vertical section of the finished gutter, comparable to FIG.5, but showing a cantilever deck forming apparatus embodying the presentinvention supported therein and a concrete cantilever deck laid on topof the pool side wall; and

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the cantilever deck formingapparatus shown in FIG. 10 taken in the plane of line 11-11.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by wayof example in drawings and will herein be described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the inventionto the particular form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equavalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scopeof the invention.

Referring more particularly to FIG. I of the drawings, there is shown anexcavation 10 in the ground 11 that has been made for the purpose ofconstructing a swimming pool. Prior to excavating, a wood perimeter rail12 is set up to define the outer periphery of the excavation. Theperimeter rail 12 is supported by a plurality of horizontal supportmembers 14 which in turn are each nailed to a pair of stakes 15 that aredriven into the ground at outwardly spaced distances from the peripheryof the intended excavation. Following excavation, gravel 16 is spreadthroughout the bottom of the hole in a customary manner, such as at agradually decreasing depth from about 6 inches in the deep end of thepool to about 3 inches in the shallow end. Appropriate plumbing may thenbe installed. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, thereis a horizontal water supply line 18 supported in spaced relation fromthe side of the excavation 10 at a position such that it will beencompassed within the side wall of the completed pool. A plurality ofinwardly projecting pipes 19, each with a discharge nozzle 27, extendfrom the supply line 18. It will be understood that the water may besupplied to the line 18 from a central pumping station in a conventionalmanner. 4

To provide reinforcement for the bottom and side walls of the pool anetwork 20 of crossing, interconnected reinforcing rods are supported inspaced relation to the walls of the excavation 10 by suitable means,including support brackets 21. In order to further enhance the strengthin the upper or bond beam section of the pool side walls, .I-shapedreinforcing rods 22, each with an outwardly extending leg 24, aresecured to the top of the reinforcing network 20 at spaced intervals.

In accordance with the invention, a reusable gutter forming apparatus isprovided which permits efficient and economical formation of a gutter inthe pool side walls as the side walls are being gunite formed. To thisend, a gutter forming apparatus is provided which includes a pluralityof flat shooting panels 26 disposed in end-to-end relation about theperimeter of the excavation 10, with each panel 26 being secured at oneside to the perimeter rail 12 and extending in cantilever fashion overthe periphery of the excavation. The illustrated shooting panels 26 aresecured to the perimeter rail by nails 28 which pass through apertures29 formed along the side of the panels (FIG. 6). The shooting panels 26preferably are made of aluminum of about Ar-inch thickness and each isof a length, such as 8 feet, which enables it to be readily handled andnailed to the perimeter rail 12. Suitable fastening means, such asreleasable brackets 30, preferably are provided for interconnecting thepanels 26 in end-to-end relation.

For adjustably supporting the shooting panels 26 in a substantiallyhorizontal position, a plurality of braces 31 are secured to theperimeter rail 12 in upstanding relation and an adjustable leveling arm32 is secured between the upper end of each brace 31 and the oppositecantilever end of the shooting panel 26. The braces 31 each are formedwith a flat bottom portion 31a having apertures through which fastenerssuch as nails 34 may be passed to secure the brace to the perimeter rail12 (FIG. 6). An upper portion 31b of each brace 31 IS perpendicularlydisposed relative to its lower portion 31a and formed with an aperturefor receiving a locking bolt 35. To permit selective positioning of theleveling arm 32 relative to the upper end of the brace 31, and thusadjustable positioning of the cantilever end of the shooting panel 26,the leveling arm 32 is formed with an elongated slot 36 through whichthe bolt passes. A wing nut 38 is engagable with the bolt 35 forsecuring the arm 32 to the brace 31 at the desired position (FIG. 6).For securing the opposite end of the leveling arm 32 to the cantileverend of the shooting panel 26 in the usual case, as shown in FIG. 6a, anut 40 is pivotably mounted at the end of the arm 32 and is adapted forthreaded engagement by a screw 41 passing through an appropriateaperture formed in the shooting panel. The nuts 40 in this instance eachare mounted on a stud 42 that passes through the end of the arm 32 andis secured by a wing nut 44. The appertures in the panel 26 arecountersunk to receive the heads of the screws 41 so that the undersideof the shooting panel has a substantially uninterrupted flat surface.

For the purpose of defining a gutter section in the finished pool wall,a gutter form 50 is detachably secured to the underside of each shootingpanel 26. The gutter form in this case is a hollow, open-ended, squaretubular member preferably made of aluminum. The gutter form 50 isremovably secured to its respective shooting panel by studs 51 passingthrough aligned apertures formed in the top of the gutter form and theshooting panel for engagement by wing nuts 52. Suitable means may beprovided for retaining the studs within the gutter form apertures tofacilitate mounting of the gutter form to the shooting panel. The gutterforms 50 preferably are of the same length as the shooting panel 26,such as 8 feet, and are secured to the gutter form after the shootingpanel has been adjusted to a substantially horizontal position by theleveling arms 32. After the gutter form is attached, the leveling arm 32may be readjusted if necessary to insure horizontal positioning of theshooting panel. Since the shooting panels 26 are secured in end-to-endrelation, the abutting ends of the gutter forms need not be positivelysecured together. As will become apparent, with the gutter forms 50attached to the underside of the shooting panel 26, when the pool sidewall is formed by pressure sprayed gunite the shooting panel 26 andgutter form 50 will define the upper surface of the side wall and guttertherein, respectively.

To form relieved sections in the finished gutter ledge so as to permitthe flow of water from the pool into the gutter at selected locationsabout the pool, weir forms 55 are secured immediately adjacent thegutter form 50 at spaced intervals. Each illustrated weir from 55 is anupturned channel supported against the underside of the shooting panel26. Since the weir forms are located only at spaced intervals, the endsof the weir forms each are enclosed by an end panel 56. To secure theweir form 55 to the shooting panel 26, a screw 58 passes through eachweir form and shooting panel and is threadably engaged by the pivotablenut 40 of the associated leveling arm 32. It will be appreciated thatwhen a weir form 55 is so secured to the shooting panel, the screws 41normally used to secure the shooting panel to the leveling arm arereplaced by the longer weir form securing screws 58. Since the weir form55 is immediately adjacent the gutter form 50, a single bolt at itscenter generally is sufficient to retain it against relative rotationalmovement. The apertures in the weir form 55 through which the screws 58pass again preferably are countersunk to receive the head of the screws.

In order to provide a drain area in the finished gutter that can beconnected to a suitable converter to facilitate recirculation of waterentering the gutter, one of the gutter forms 50a has a gutter drain form59 secured to the underside thereof, as shown in FIG. 8. The gutterdrain form 59 in this case is a rectangular enclosure permanently weldedto the underside of the gutter from 50a. Since for each pool theregenerally is required only a single drain area into which water from theentire gutter flows, only one of the guttersections need be providedwith a drain form 59.

Prior to assembling the gutter forming apparatus 25 in position over theexcavation, a lubricant, such as vegetable oil or the like, preferablyisapplied to the surfaces of the panels 26, forms 50 and weir forms 55that will later be exposed to gunite concrete. Such lubricant willprevent sticking of the forms to the concrete and permit easier removalof the forms from the finished pool side wall, as will become apparent.By applying the lubricant prior to assembling of the apparatus over theexcavation it will prevent undesirable drippage of the lubricant ontothe steel reinforcing rods and plumbing 18.

With the gutter forming apparatus finally positioned and lubricated, theconstruction area is ready for the pressure sprayed application ofgunite concrete to form the pool bottom and side walls. As is well knownin the art, gunite concrete may be directed against the bottom and sidewalls of the excavation to the desired thickness. As shown in FIG. 3,gunite has been applied to form a pool bottom 60 with a thicknesssufficient to completely encompass the reinforcing network of rods 20.The side walls 61 likewise have formed to encompass the reinforcingnetwork, as well as the water supply line 18 and the outwardly extendinginlet pipes 19. The spray nozzles 27 of the outlet pipes remain exposed.It will be appreciated that while in the illustrated embodiment the sidewall 61 of the pool is of uniform thichness alternatively the upperportion of the side wall may be of greater thickness than the lowerportion so as to form a more conventional bond beam appearance.

As further shown in FIG. 3, in forming the side wall 61 gunite concreteis directed about an outer side surface and a bottom surface of thegutter form 50, which defines in the side wall one side 62a and a bottom62b of a gutter 62. In addition, an outer bottom surface of the shootingpanel 26 establishes a top surface 64a of a gutter ledge 64 at locationsbetween longitudinally spaced weir forms 55, and the weir forms 55define a relieved section 6412 in the ledge. In view of the locationfrom which the gunite must be sprayed, however, a relatively small void65 may result on the opposite side of the gutter form 50 (FIG. 3). Tocomplete the formation of the pool side wall 61 and gutter wall 620,therefore, the wing nut 52 may be removed to permit disassembly andremoval of the shooting panel 26 while leaving the gutter form 50 inplace. With the gutter form 50 remaining, the void 65 may then befilled, as shown in FIG. 4. The gutter form 50 is then removed, leavinga smooth, finished appearing gutter 62 with an outer ledge 64. As isinherent in such gunite spraying, although a portion of the wall sectionis shot at a later time there are no substantial adverse effects in theappearance or strength of the final wall section. It will be seen thatthe drain form 59 of the gutter form 50a will similarly establish adrain recess (not shown) in the completed pool side wall 61 below thelevel of the gutter. Because of the extremely smooth surfaces whichresult in the formation of the gutter 62 by use of the apparatus 25, itwill be further apparent that more painting of the gutter, or any othercover, will achieve an attractive finished appearance.

In keeping with the invention, a reusable cantilever deck form 70 isprovided to facilitate laying a concrete cantilever deck on top of thepool side wall 61. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the deck form 70, whichagain preferably is made of aluminum, includes a base 71 and anupstanding portion 72. The base 71 is positionable in the botton of theformed gutter 62, and the upstanding portion 72 has a contoured upperend for defining the side of the deck. To releasably secure the deckform 70 in the gutter 62, there is a bracket including a pair ofcollapsible arm members -75 which are rotatably journaled together atone end. The opposite end of one of the arm members 75 is rotatablysecured to a mounting bracket 76 at the upper end of the cantilever form70, and opposite end of the other arm member 75 is rotatably attached toa mounting bracket of an aluminum foot 76. As shown in FIG. 10, when thearms 75 are in a raised collapsed position, shown in phantom, thecantilever form 70 may be placed into the gutter 62. The foot 76 maythen be positioned adjacent the end of the form base 71 to firmly secureit in place. A suitable latch 78 is provided for securing the arms intheir extended locked position.

With the cantilever form 70 in position in the gutter 62, the upper endof the upstanding portion 72 will establish the outer contour of apoured concrete canti lever deck 79. Prior to laying the concrete, asuitable expansion layer 80, such as rubber, is first provided on top ofthe rearward or bond beam section of the pool side wall 61. After thecantilever deck has been poured and set, by merely releasing the latch78 and collapsing the arms 75 the foot 76 may be raised out of itssecuring position to permit removal of the form 70 from the gutter.

From the foregoing,,it will be seen that the use of the method andapparatus of the present invention provides an efficient and economicalmeans for constructing a substantially monolithic or one piece poolgutter and side wall. In summary, the construction steps are as follows.First, the perimeter rail 12 is set to establish the outer periphery ofthe excavation 10. The hole for the pool is then excavated, gravel 16placed in the bottom, and plumbing 18 and reinforcing rods 20, 22 setup. The gutter forming apparatus 25 may then be secured in place. Theshooting panels 26 are nailed along-their edges to the perimeter rail 12in end-to-end relation. Support braces 31 likewise are nailed to theperimeter rail 12 and the leveling arms 32 are adjusted to support theshooting panel 26 in a substantially horizontal position. The guttersections 50, a may then be secured to the underside of the shootingpanel 26 in end-to-end relation, with the gutter form 50a located at thegutter drain location. In addition, weir forms are secured to theunderside of the shooting panels 26 immediately adjacent the gutter formand at spaced intervals about the perimeter of the pool.

With the gutter forming apparatus in place, the gunite may then be shotto form the bottom and side walls 61 of the pool to the appropriatethickness. In doing so, the gutter ledge 64, including its relievedsections 6412, are precisely and smoothly formed. The gutter 62 itselfalso is formed, except for a possible void 65 which may be left due tothe inability to shoot gunite into the area immediately behind thegutter form 50. Upon removal of the wing nut 52, the shooting panel 26together with the weir forms 55 may be removed leaving the gutter form55 in place. Any void 65 may then be filled to complete the side wall 61and guttter 62. The cantilever form may then be secured in the gutter 62to facilitate pouring of a cantilever deck.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing method and apparatus enablesthe construction of a monolithic or one piece pool side wall and guttersection in significantly shorter time than previously required. In addi-7 tion, the gutter and ledge have a smooth finish which can be easilyand attractively painted or otherwise covered if desired. Moreover, thegutter forming apparatus is reusable so that there is no necessity ofleaving expensive metal forms permanently in the pool.

I claim as my invention:

1. A method of constructing in an excavation in the ground a swimmingpool wall with a gutter about its periphery comprising supporting anelongated flat form panel in a substantially horizontal position abovethe periphery of said excavation and parallel to the upper side of theintended pool wall securing an elongated gutter form to the underside ofsaid panel in parallel relation to said panel, pressure spray directingconcrete from within said excavation toward the side of said excavationand the underside of said elongated form panel and gutter form therebysimultaneously forming a side wall of a pool with the upper side thereofat least partially bounded by said form panel and at least patiallyforming a gutter in the upper portion of said side wall, and removingsaid panel and gutter form.

2. The method of claim 1 including supporting said panel from one sidein cantilever fashion over the outer perimeter of said excavation.

3. The method of claim 2 including supporting said panel by fastening itto a rail positioned in elevated adjacent the periphery of saidexcavation.

4. The method of claim 1 including only partially forming said gutterduring pressure directing of said concrete with said form panel andgutter form in place, removing said form panel, pressure spray directingadditional concrete with only said gutter form in place to complete theformation of said gutter, and removing said gutter form.

5. The method of claim 1 including applying a lubricant to said paneland gutter form prior to pressure directing of said concrete forpreventing excessive co hesion of said concrete to said panel and gutterform.

6. The method of claim 1 including supporting a plurality of saidelongated form panels in end-to-end relation about the perimeter of saidexcavation, and releasably securing said form panels together.

7. The method of claim 6 including securing a plurality of weir forms atlongitudinally spaced intervals to the underside of said panelsimmediately adjacent said gutter form, and pressure directing saidconcrete about said gutter and weir forms to form a gutter with a ledgehaving longitudinally spaced relieved areas.

8. The method of claim 1 including supporting a cantilever deck form inthe gutter formed by said panel and gutter form after removal of saidpanel and gutter form. and laying a concrete deck on top of said poolside wall immediately adjacent said gutter with said cantilever deckform defining the side of said deck, and removing said cantillever deckform from said gutter following laying of said deck.

9. The method of claim 4 including forming a bottom surface and one sidesurface of said gutter when said panel and gutter form are in place, andforming a second opposed side surface of said gutter after removal ofsaid panel.

1. A METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING IN AN EXCAVATION IN THE GROUND A SWIMMINGPOOL WALL WITH A GUTTER ABOUT ITS PERIPHERY COMPRISING SUPPORTING ANELONGATED FLAT FORM PANEL IN A SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL POSITION ABOVETHE PERIPHERY OF SAID EXCAVATION AND PARALLEL TO THE UPPER SIDE OF THEINTENDED POOL WALL SECURING AN ELONGATED GUTTER FORM TO THE UNDERSIDE OFSAID PANEL IN PARALLEL RELATION TO SAID PANEL, PRESSURE SPRAY DIRECTINGCONCRETE FROM WITHIN SAID EXCAVATION TOWARD THE SIDE OF SAID EXCAVATIONAND THE UNDERSIDE OF SAID ELONGATED FORM PANEL AND GUTTER FORM THEREBYSIMULTANEOUSLY FORMING A SIDE WALL OF A POOL WITH THE UPPER SIDE THEREOFAT LEAST PARTIALLY
 2. The method of claim 1 including supporting saidpanel from one side in cantilever fashion over the outer perimeter ofsaid excavation.
 3. The method of claim 2 including supporting saidpanel by fastening it to a rail positioned in elevated adjacent theperiphery of said excavation.
 4. The method of claim 1 Including onlypartially forming said gutter during pressure directing of said concretewith said form panel and gutter form in place, removing said form panel,pressure spray directing additional concrete with only said gutter formin place to complete the formation of said gutter, and removing saidgutter form.
 5. The method of claim 1 including applying a lubricant tosaid panel and gutter form prior to pressure directing of said concretefor preventing excessive cohesion of said concrete to said panel andgutter form.
 6. The method of claim 1 including supporting a pluralityof said elongated form panels in end-to-end relation about the perimeterof said excavation, and releasably securing said form panels together.7. The method of claim 6 including securing a plurality of weir forms atlongitudinally spaced intervals to the underside of said panelsimmediately adjacent said gutter form, and pressure directing saidconcrete about said gutter and weir forms to form a gutter with a ledgehaving longitudinally spaced relieved areas.
 8. The method of claim 1including supporting a cantilever deck form in the gutter formed by saidpanel and gutter form after removal of said panel and gutter form. andlaying a concrete deck on top of said pool side wall immediatelyadjacent said gutter with said cantilever deck form defining the side ofsaid deck, and removing said cantillever deck form from said gutterfollowing laying of said deck.
 9. The method of claim 4 includingforming a bottom surface and one side surface of said gutter when saidpanel and gutter form are in place, and forming a second opposed sidesurface of said gutter after removal of said panel.